Exploring SRI LANKA // Galle
Galle Fort has long been on my radar as a must visit area in Sri Lanka, so having decided that Ceylon was our baby moon destination my research started immediately.
A small walled city, only handful of streets wide, Galle is a Unesco World Heritage site and the largest remaining fortress in Asia. The fortified old city founded by Portuguese colonists in the 16th century, was then extensively fortified by the Dutch during the 17th century. With its ancient stone sea walls encircling the quiet streets, its simple architecture has references to its European past. Wandering its rambling lanes you pass cafes, quirky boutiques and impeccably restored villas and residences owned by local and foreign artists, writers, photographers and designers.
Galle is abundant with exquisitely quaint hotels that exude character of the area, mostly set in colonial villa style houses that often only have a handful of rooms, so finding somewhere that was equally unique as it was gorgeous was not a problem.
Taru Villa on Lighthouse street was our choice, with only 4 bedrooms set on the first floor above the beautiful calm, spacious reception areas that boasted double height ceilings. The villa is adorned in grand pieces of antique furniture that sit against its simple whitewashed walls, the living and dining areas extend into a perfectly sized interior courtyard at the center of the building.
Stepping off the street through the arched doorways into Tarus’ sanctuary like living room, we were greeted with friendly staff and a welcome of the most delicious homemade passion fruit and fresh mint ice pops, making our check in a perfectly refreshing place to pause, away from the heat and humidity of the streets outside.
Each room at Taru is has its own charm. We were lucky enough to be the only guests for the two nights of our stay, so it felt like our own private residence, and we had the pick of the rooms. Our choice, the superior double, was suitably comfortable with its king size bed and french doors which opened onto a terrace. Further stairs lead up to another rooftop terrace, which became our breakfast spot, an idyllic setting with views over the higgledy-piggledy tiled roofs of Galle, with sounds of the ocean waves rolling in behind the sea wall.
It is easy to spend a day or two wandering around Galles quaint streets, exploring the unique boutiques that offer a range of Sri Lankan curiosities, both old and new. Ceylon Spa is the go to spot for a massage (I recommend booking ahead) to help rejuvenate tired feet and muscles, or just to have a little pamper. For something less retail focused you can spend an hour or so exploring the crumbling city walls which block out the rolling sea waves on one side, and the noise and buzz of the new town on the other, you can visit the light house (that’s not actually on Lighthouse street), or scramble down to the beaches to dip your toes in the sea, being sure to find the perfect spot to watch the sun set over the Indian Ocean at the end of the day.
Many people choose to stay on the coast, just further south, visiting Galle a day trip. I however couldn’t imagine a more perfect place to while away a day or two and soak up the colonial past of this ancient place, and am so glad we took the time to stay here before going south.
Stay
Taru Villas Lighthouse Street
Taru Villas Rampart Street
The Prince of Galle
Galle Fort Hotel
Thambili House
Fort Bazzar
Amangalle
Eat / Drink
Fort Printers - for its Sri Lankan curry and Coconut Sambal in the authentic heritage style central courtyard.
A minute by Tuk Tuk - for its sea views and delicious Batu Moju.
Amangalle - for G&Ts on their colonial veranda (try the Colombo Gin)
For Bazzar - for its modern interiors set in the colonial building.
Galle Fort Hotel
Coconut Sambal - for an authentic curry buffet.
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